Valerie Long is a partner in the firm's Real Estate Section. Her practice focuses on real estate transactions and land use matters. Ms. Long represents parties in all phases of acquisition, disposition and development of commercial, residential and industrial properties, including drafting and negotiating of contracts, due diligence and closings. She is highly experienced in all aspects of large-scale commercial, residential and industrial developments and regularly represents both borrowers and lenders in commercial lending transactions.

Ms. Long regularly guides clients through the intricacies of obtaining local government land use approvals. Her experience includes rezonings, special use permits and variances for several large, mixed-use developments, shopping centers, a community hospital, research parks, residential developments, industrial sites, over 30 wireless telecommunications facilities, and the creation of a new zoning district for a national historic landmark. Ms. Long has significant experience drafting conservation easements and also advises clients on applicable land use regulations prior to acquisition and/or development of property.

Education
University of Virginia School of Law, J.D. - 1998
Tulane University, cum laude, B.A - 1992

Professional Affiliations
Charlottesville-Albemarle Bar Association
Virginia Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, Disaster Legal Assistance Committee, Co-Chair (2000-2004)
Virginia CLE Committee (2002-2004)
Virginia State Bar

Awards and Honors
Named one of Virginia's "Legal Elite," Virginia Business magazine
Listed in Virginia Super Lawyers Rising Stars magazine
Virginia Environmental Law Journal Managing Board

Publications
Author, "The Complexity & Lack of Incentives in the Release Reporting Requirements of CERCLA Section 103," Virginia Environmental Law Journal, Spring 1999

Community Involvement
Albemarle County Development Process Review Task Force
Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce - Board of Directors
Free Enterprise Forum, Board of Directors (2005-Present, Chair 2008)
Friends of Martha Jefferson Hospital, Board of Directors
Leadership Charlottesville - 1999
Smart Beginnings Leadership Council
United Way Thomas Jefferson Area, Board of Directors (2000-Present), Executive Committee (2001-2004)